Skeeter ZX225 vs. Ranger 520VX

[jamescaird]

I'm looking at these boats to pick up used ... I was wondering what folks thought were the various qualities of each boat? Not looking for "this boat is better than that boat", more just a description of the positive attributes of each boat. I imagine the Ranger being heavier and deeper will ride a bit better in the big stuff, Skeeter is lighter so faster and not as highly finished (like a Porsche), but wondering what people's thoughts are as to ride in whitecapping wind chop, stability, etc....

Thanks for any thoughts!!!

[sTony]

I know I'm gonna catch heck for this but the Ranger 520VX was, to my estimation, the best boat they ever built. That Skeeter is a awfully nice boat as well. Both are time tested tough and get the job done. I don't see how you could go wrong either way.

Is one older then the other or same model year?

sTony

[YZKEN250]

I have the 520VX and I love it. This coming from a guy that used to own a Champion. The ride in rough water is great. I was a co-angler in the FLW and rode in a Nitro and a BassCat and the Ranger was way smoother than both of these boats. I am going to the delta on Thurs. if you want to meet me out there, I can take you for a quick ride. I am not picking up my back-seater until 9am at Russos dock. Let me know.

[Gary Dobyns]

I agree with Tony. The best bass boat Ranger ever built was the 520VX. The new Z-520 is also great. Still a 520 hull. I have a 520 in Excellent cond. for sale.

Hey I responded here, so am I stretching the classified rules???

[sTony]

You're a known rule-stretcher Gary. We admire that about ya!

Course now, don't take that the wrong way, oh my... now I'll get a nice bruise over this post, to be sure.

sTony

[FISH2WIN55]

I have a 2001 520 and I love it. I also think it is the best boat built by Ranger.

[kopper_bass]

James,
I agree with sTony, both are excellent boats and you wouldnt be dissapointed with either.

i ride in the Skeeter and just love it, but the 520 was my "other" choice when looking.

Kopper_Bass

[Corey Fenske]

I will tell you one thing about the skeeter that the ranger just wont do.
First, Rangers dont slide through corners, they keel hook, throwing into a hard turn (as Dobyns knows). A skeeter will feel like it is sliding through the corners at high speeds, and wont hook on you.

In rough water, the skeeter is a more user friendly boat. It has room for error, and wont send you through the next wave as easy. They have a flat spot in the nose that helps to keep them from going under.The gas tanks are in the back corners of the boat and let the a$$ of the boat come down first and make a softer landing. I know, I have had both boats and if you are not a good rough water driver, then this helps. You have to work hard to keep the nose up on a Ranger.

Both are great boats, but when it comes to ride in rough water then the skeeter does a better job. If it is boat chop, the ranger will do alittle better, because it is deeper.

Only stating what I have found, not bashing Ranger.

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

James, you sure picked two winners..I don't own a boat, but have ridden in both..Honestly you won't go wrong with either..Pick the one in the best overall shape and the best price..

mac

[BIG DADDY BLUE RANGER]

I've ridden in quite a few 520's and they're a great boat in every way IMO except one: On the newer boats there's not enough leg room on the passenger side with a dual console..... I'm 6' and my knees hit the front edge of the console..... very uncomfotable in rough water to have your knees take a beating agaist that console edge.... my little 462 has way more leg room

and I'm a Ranger guy,, just my $.02,

[Ken C.]

My advice is that you avoid the Skeeter vs Ranger aspect and arrange to go fishing on each of them. Ignore the brands, ignore the hype, ignore the advertising. Go spend a day on each one. Hopefully a windy/adverse day because all boats do good in smooth water. (Do, however keep an eye towards the owners' driving skills because the best driver can make a loose boat handle and the worst driver can make the tightest boat look terrible!)

Concentrate on how the boat fits you. How you like the layout, how it fishes, how it sits in the water, how the storage fits your preferences.

More importantly, have the motors checked out thoroughly. The best boat in the world isn't worth the space it takes up if the motor is blown! Arrange to have a dis-interested mechanic evaluate each motor - compression check, leak-down test, download the computer readout, etc. It'll cost you a few $$, but it'll be the best money you spend!

If the current owners aren't accepting to your terms then I would move along because your are getting ready to sink some serious money into a hobby and almost all responsible boat owners are more than willing to let ou fully evaluate their boat.

BTW, I run a Skeeter and my son runs a Ranger so no bias here <Those are PanOptix

[SFD3RNGR]

I will agree with Corey in regards to the rough water ride, and he handled the boat well the last two days of the CL Stren, but for the overall room/compartments and resale possibilities and great hull of the 520 you won't be disappointed; Nice finish again CF. John

[Kevin]

You'll like the Ranger better when you have to resell it.

[phill strader]

If your looking for a boat to last you a long time, hold together, provide you with the most stable fishing platform, and get you where your going and back everytime safely and comfortably, by a 520. take em both out and run them in the same conditions, and you will understand for yourself, and if you like the skeeter better, than you'll know.

phil strader

[JamesH]

I own a Stratos so here is my unbiased opinion. You can't go wrong with either boat. I have spent a lot of hours in both. The Skeeter is definitely nicer on my back in rough water driving conditions because it lands softer off those 4 foot rollers but the Ranger has a better storage layout and as many have pointed out, a better resale value. The ZX 225 I posted in the classified is my team partners boat so I'm not stretching the rules as far as GD .......He is getting a new I class Skeeter.......I think it all comes down to personal preference and budget.

James Huffmon

[Gary Dobyns]

Good one James. Tony's going to get both of us. He loves rule stretchers.

[sTony]

If conversation here helps sell a boat in the classifieds, I don't see any problem with that at all, in fact I'd encourage it. What we don't want to see is full on ads for boats in here cause that's what the classifieds are all about.

Seems like you guys aren't stretching the rules after all .

sTony

[PF3352]

I have fished in both boats and have to agree that if you flip a coin you will come up a winner. I spent my first 3-4 years when I moved out here fishing in a 520. I fished at least 20 (co-angler) tournamnets in a 520 and was always happy. I then was able to fish out of a skeeter and never looked back. When I was able to afford one I purchased the Skeeter 225ZX..Man what an awesome boat. The ride was second to none and the only time I get any spray is when the winds are so high you just cant escape it. I now own the i-class and still believe the 225 is just as good (if not better) then the i-class. There are some awesome deals out there on both boats. You are more then welcome to come out for a ride in my i-class if you wish. Plus i will loan you a coin to flip. Winner either way.

I did not loose the resale value on mine..So dont let that sway you.

paul fontaine

[drew]

Gary, What will replace the 520? Andy

I agree with Tony. The best bass boat Ranger ever built was the 520VX. The new Z-520 is also great. Still a 520 hull. I have a 520 in Excellent cond. for sale.

[jamescaird]

I know I'm gonna catch heck for this but the Ranger 520VX was, to my estimation, the best boat they ever built. That Skeeter is a awfully nice boat as well. Both are time tested tough and get the job done. I don't see how you could go wrong either way.

Is one older then the other or same model year?

sTony

Thanks all for the feedback, fantastic info.

Tony - I'm looking at 2003-2005 model years